Belonging and Reclaiming Identity: Understanding the Lived Experiences of Youth Adopted From Foster Care in Transracial Families

It is not uncommon for adoptive parents to adopt children of a different race/ethnicity than themselves, with approximately 28% being transracial adoptions. Yet, the unique experiences of these youth remain underexplored. This mixed-methods study examined how they navigate complex identities. Thirty-five youth adopted from foster care completed surveys about their adoption experiences, and nine transracially adopted youth participated in key informant interviews. Quantitative analyses indicated broad adjustment outcomes with no significant differences between transracial and same-race adoptees. Qualitative findings revealed challenges in belonging, trust, and caregiver connection. Findings highlight the importance of racial-ethnic socialization and culturally responsive adoption practices.